I would have gone with external overflows for sure and definitely would have gone with a bigger tank. I have a 180 now but I would like to have gone 10'. I will hopefully get to do this very soon. Also I would have gone with a different selection of fish. I currently have many common fish and would like to have done some rarer specimens. The bigger tank should allow me to do this.

I'd like to see a FTS of you aquarium tim :D you should pm me!

I agree....an external overflow, will be a "Must" for my next display.

Holy crap, where to start

1. Did more research before buying (Classic rookie mistake Im told)
2. Spent more at first, instead of spending more and more as I get more involved
3. Custom tank w/ external Herbie overflow
4. BIGGER.. went 75G, should have done 150+
5. Did more research (yup I regret that twice)
6. NOT listened to my LFS... Sump, skimmer an light were all wrong for what I realized I wanted after I setup
7. Spent more time figuring out my plumbing setup.

I wish I would have go with the 90 gallons Osaka instead of the 70 gallons, but then if I had gone with the 90 gallons tank I would be wishing for a 120 gallons tank today...

and if I had a 120 gallons I would be wishing for a 200 gallons...you get the idea...